All Blacks first-five Richie Mo’unga will start against the British and Irish Lions in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 26 August 2026 – his first test match appearance in almost three years.
The 32-year-old’s last test for the All Blacks was the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, which New Zealand lost to South Africa. Since then, Mo’unga has been playing club rugby for Toshiba in Japan, where he won two league titles.
“It’s really special. It’s been a long time. I’m grateful to be back in this environment,” Mo’unga said.
He said watching the All Blacks play from overseas made him want to return. “When you’re watching test matches over in Europe and watching the All Blacks play you never get that feeling,” he said.
Mo’unga rejoined New Zealand rugby on an 18-month contract as an injury replacement, and has already played two matches for Canterbury in the domestic competition. Current first-five Ruben Love will step aside for this one match, though he remains the coach’s first-choice starter overall. A few other players will make their All Blacks debut in the same match, including Saula Ma’u, Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Jamie Hannah.
The British and Irish Lions are a special rugby team made up of the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, who only tour once every four years – making any match against them a big event for players and fans alike.
Fans will be hoping Mo’unga’s experience helps guide some of the newer faces through their first taste of test rugby.
SMART Prep | Quick Question 
